19 steps to frustration

So the kimono book translation is over and the checking begins. The last chapter was probably the trickiest as it was the chapter on how to actually wear the kimono, as in, how to put one on. It’s all broken up into steps illustrated by a smiling Japanese woman who has obviously done this sort of thing before, because otherwise she’d be bent over the instruction booklet with her eyes crossed like I’ve been doing while trying to work out what on earth the instructions mean and why anyone would even wear a garment that requires NINETEEN steps to put it on. And that‘s just for the kimono.There are ten steps required (at least) to get the undergarments on, then the 19 for the kimono, then of course an obi is needed (TWENTY FIVE STEPS to tie a BASIC bow!?)… and this is not counting the footwear, hair styling and all those other bits and pieces that would go to creating the perfect Japanese outfit. I’m wondering whether the wearer then checks themselves into some sort of 12-step program (Kimono Lovers Anonymous?), because if I managed to get through all that I think even I would need a drink, and the most I usually order at a bar is cranberry juice!!It’s hardly surprising then that I choose to chop up kimono and obi and turn them into things that have ZIPS in them and require maybe only two steps to wear… by the way, the blue skirt is another version of the first skirt shown on this post… I put it up because Meghan said she likes peacock patterns and here at Fourth Daughter we aim to please! Or ..um.. *I* aim to please. Anyway, they were both made from obi but I think they were not traditional material, it’s more likely they were made into obi to use for some sort of flashy costume and the material is therefore just western stuff, but I loved the pattern anyway. The other pictures are from Peppermint magazine… the black dress with yellow and orange flowers was one of the ones I jazzed up for the Dubai order (even though personally I think she was quite pretty enough without the extra bling!)